1. Defensive Driving
Chapter 5

2. Road Rage What is Road Rage? Rude gestures, verbal assaults,
driving in a threatening manner,
making threats

3. Statistics
In the U.S., more than 300 cases of road rage annually have ended with serious injuries or even fatalities – 1200 incidents per year, according to the AAA Foundation study, and rising yearly throughout the six years of the study that examined police records nationally.

4. Distractions
List 5 Common Distractions when driving

5. Distractions lighting a cigarette talking on a cell phone or texting
fastening seatbelt while driving
Can you name more?

6. Highway Hypnosis
when motorists are behind the wheel for a long duration of time
can be avoided by not looking at any one thing for more than a few seconds

7. Tired Drivers Tired Driver is a Dangerous Driver!
A tired driver can be just as dangerous as a drunk driver
Maggie’s Law makes it illegal to knowingly drive a vehicle when impaired by lack of sleep

8. Keeping a Safe Distance
One car length for every 10 mph
Example: 30mph 3 car lengths
Distances increased in bad weather

9. Judging Car-Lengths 3 Second Plus Rule
Chose a fixed object ahead (one-one- thousand, two-one-thousand, three- one-thousand)

10. Car Lengths Wet Roads: Car Lengths get increased to 4 or more seconds
Snow covered roads: 6 seconds or more

11. Hydroplaning This is caused by wet roads
When a car rides up on a film of water, starting at about 35 mph causing a motorist to lose control of his/her vehicle
DO NOT DRIVE ON BALD OR WORN TIRES AND SLOW DOWN

12. Snow and Ice
NJ Law States that motorists are responsible for any ice that flies from his/her vehicle and causes death, injury, or property damage
NJ motorists can use snow tires between November 1st and April 1st

13. Reduced Visibility Frost or Ice: Defroster Fog: Fog Lights
Sun Glare: Visor

14. Driving Situations City Driving Highway Driving Road Hazards
Construction or Work Zones

15. City Driving
Look 12 Seconds ahead

16. Reacting to Driving Problems
Ignition System: Never turn the ignition to lock when the vehicle is still in motion
Skids: Foot off gas, turn in direction of skid without over steering

17. Driving Problems Emergency Stops:
Signal and Pull over onto shoulder and turn on hazards
Put a flare or other warning sign just behind the vehicle. Put another warning sign at least 300 feet back, raise the hood, and tie a white handkerchief on the antenna if you need help.

18. Driving Problems Running off Pavement Slow Down Regain Control
Turn Slowly onto Road

19. Driving Problems
Car Fires: Get out and away from vehicle and call for help.

20. Driving Problems Plunging into Water
Vehicle with doors and windows closed will float for at least 3 minutes
Escape through window, doors are too heavy

21. Vehicle Failure Brake Failure
Shift to a lower gear and pump the brakes hard and fast

22. Tire Blowout
Hold steering wheel firmly and keep the vehicle straight while gradually slowing down
Remove foot from gas pedal and do not use the brakes

23. Power Steering Failure
when the engine dies, a vehicles power steering will fail
keep a firm grip on the wheel

24. Gas Pedal Problems
Gas pedal sticks motorist should keep his/her eyes on the road while quickly shifting to neutral

25. Collisions
Stop Quickly
Turn Quickly
Speed Up

26. If a collision looks possible:
Avoid hitting something hard but something that will give way (Shrub or bush)
Choose to hit something moving in the same direction, rather than straight on
Never hit anything head on. Sideswipe will slow the vehicle down

27. Collisions Rear Collision Be ready to apply pressure to the brakes
press back of head firmly against head rest (if vehicle has one)

28. Collisions Side Collision tight grip on steering wheel
motorist should be ready to turn fast

29. Collisions Head- On Collision
Use arms or hands to protect his/her face
If no airbags, motorist should throw himself across the seat to keep from hitting the steering wheel